The Blackwater Bossing have had a challenging journey in the 2024 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 49 Governor’s Cup. Despite a rocky season, which saw them finish second to last in Group B with a 5-5 win-loss record, there was a shining beacon for the team: their star import, George King. While the overall performance of the team may have left fans wanting more, King’s on-court brilliance was impossible to overlook.
George King is here to stay, and he gets a full conference this time with Blackwater entering the #PBASeason49 Commissioner's Cup! 🖋️@gerardmoshttps://t.co/CfWg8Os6Ne
— SPIN.ph (@spinph) September 25, 2024
George King’s defining moment came in the final game of Blackwater’s Governor’s Cup campaign. In a memorable matchup against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on September 23 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, the 30-year-old exploded for an astonishing 64 points.
He didn’t just stop there, King also grabbed 13 rebounds, leading his team to a 139-118 victory. His historic scoring performance set a new franchise record for Blackwater, breaking the previous mark of 55 points set by Troy Williams during the previous Governor’s Cup.
King’s 64-point game wasn’t just a standout for Blackwater but also one of the most impressive individual performances in recent PBA history. King shot a perfect 20-of-20 from the free-throw line and went 18-of-35 from the field. This level of efficiency, combined with his relentless scoring, propelled him to achieve the highest-scoring game in the PBA in nearly a decade.
To put that into perspective, the last player to score more was NLEX Road Warriors’ Al Thornton, who racked up 69 points in a 131-127 loss to the San Miguel Beermen back in 2016.
Blackwater may not have reached their team goals this season, but King’s standout performances were enough to make the organization rethink their plans. Following his historic night, Blackwater’s management wasted no time in deciding to bring George King back for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, which kicks off mid-season.
In the Commissioner’s Cup, there are no height restrictions for imports, allowing teams to bring in top talent regardless of size. Blackwater’s decision to bring King back speaks volumes about their faith in his abilities and the leadership he brings to the team.
“We are sacrificing height for the King,” Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy revealed to reporters during an interview on September 24. This statement came after a meeting between Sy, King, and head coach Jeff Cariaso at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel to discuss the American’s return for the Commissioner’s Cup.
As part of his commitment to the Blackwater Bossing, George King is set to return to the United States to prepare for his next run with the team. He is expected to be back in the Philippines in late October or early November, just in time to join the team's training camps ahead of the Commissioner’s Cup.
King’s return to the PBA promises to be a highly anticipated event for both Blackwater fans and basketball enthusiasts across the league. The small forward expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing in the Philippines, acknowledging the emotional significance of this chapter in his career.
“It just makes me emotional inside, honestly, because at this point of my career, I just appreciate it so much. I’m really enjoying my time here in the Philippines, playing for Blackwater, being around the guys and learning from them not only on the games on the court, but as men as well,” King shared.
He added that his time in the PBA has provided him with lessons that go beyond basketball, something he will carry with him even after he retires from the game. His heartfelt comments underscore just how much playing for Blackwater has meant to him, and how deeply invested he is in returning stronger for the next conference.
Beyond his club career, George King has also hinted at bigger aspirations—representing the Philippines on the international stage. In a previous interview, King expressed his desire to play for Gilas Pilipinas, the country’s national basketball team, as their naturalized player. This move could provide the national team with a versatile, high-scoring wing capable of making an impact in international competitions.
However, despite King’s public expression of interest, there has been no official movement from the basketball authorities in the Philippines regarding his potential naturalization. Whether or not this dream becomes a reality remains to be seen, but King will certainly have another opportunity to showcase his skills when he suits up for Blackwater in the Commissioner’s Cup.
His performance in the upcoming conference will be a key factor in determining whether he could be a viable option for Gilas Pilipinas in future international tournaments. For now, fans will eagerly await his return to the PBA, hoping for more highlight-reel moments from the talented import.
Blackwater’s decision to bring back George King reflects their confidence in him as a game-changer for the team. Despite their struggles in the Governor’s Cup, King’s ability to take over games and score at will gives Blackwater a solid foundation to build upon.
The upcoming Commissioner’s Cup will be a critical test for both King and the Blackwater Bossing. With no height restrictions on imports, other PBA teams will likely field towering, physically imposing players. Blackwater’s decision to prioritize King’s skills and scoring over size is a calculated gamble, one that could pay off handsomely if he continues to perform at the level he displayed in the Governor’s Cup.
As Blackwater prepares for the mid-season conference, they’ll be looking to build chemistry around King’s dynamic play. His leadership on and off the court could be a key factor in helping the Bossing improve their standings and possibly make a deep run in the Commissioner’s Cup. With King’s return, Blackwater is set to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in the upcoming tournament.
For basketball fans who follow the PBA closely, George King’s return to Blackwater provides an interesting angle for those looking to bet on PBA games. King’s scoring prowess, combined with Blackwater’s determination to bounce back from their previous campaign, makes them a team to watch in the Commissioner’s Cup.
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